The Audi A3 – the reigning champion in the compact-hatchback category of CAR’s Top 12 Best Buys – was named the 2014 World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show. The A3 was selected ahead of two finalists, BMW’s 4 Series and Mazda3, by an international panel of motoring journalists from 22 countries, of which CAR deputy editor Mike Fourie is the only South African juror. Other vehicles honoured were:
BMW i3 – World Car Design of the Year and Green Car. Somewhat surprisingly, we thought, this groundbreaking Beemer did not make the
final three for the overall title.
Porsche GT3 – World Performance Car of the Year. Winning ahead of the Ferrari 458 Speciale and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, this is the Zuffenhausen-based firm’s fourth World Performance Car of the Year award.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – World Luxury Car. Perhaps the least surprising winner was CAR’s current Top 12 Best Buys favourite in the luxury-sedan category. The S-Class received the inaugural World Luxury Car title at the cost of the runners up, Bentley’s Flying Spur and the Range Rover Sport.
